Best temp control gadgets

gabbydee

Hi! what is the best temperature control equipment for the BGE? I'm trying not to spend a fortune. 

I want to be able to cook a brisket like a pro. 

OhioEgger

I seriously love my FlameBoss 200.

lousubcap

Welcome aboard and enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun.  I assure you the controller has minimal impact.  You will be better served spending the $$ on many brisket cooks in the near-term as you will then experience the variances.  
Also, I would learn the manual temperature control before spending the $$ for a controller so that when the $hit hits the fan with the support controller you can salvage the cook.  FWIW-

Gym

I agree with @lousubcap,  learning to control manually first may prove beneficial in the future. Also, asking which temp controller is best is almost as dangerous as asking which charcoal to use! 
That said, I love my flameboss!

chuckytheegghead

Flameboss for the win!

gabbydee

we have had the BGE for over a year now. we struggle keeping temp. 

StillH2OEgger

I have been happy with my Smobot, for what it's worth. No experience with Flameboss, but based on the fans on here I'm sure you can't go wrong with that, either. If you are interested in learning to successful use the BGE without a controller, feel free to run down your process and hopefully we can get this straightened out.

Woodchunk

gabbydee said:

we have had the BGE for over a year now. we struggle keeping temp. 

Interesting, are you using enough lump, are you fiddling with the bottom and top vents a lot, opening the top a bunch? My medium will hold temps for hours with no hands on or controllers. Is your firebox opening lined up with the lower vent?

Begger

Depending on how I light it, and there IS a learning curve, my XL ends up at 350 to 400 before putting anything ON.    Even a couple ears of water-soaked corn drop the temp as will various amounts of meat.      Getting it ramped up for PIZZA is fairly easy, too, but watch for overshoot.    
I'm still working on learning how to get it <300 for a low/slow.  

CanDid

I'll give for the Smobot, although I too have had no experience with the Flameboss.

Kent8621

I have the Flameboss 300 and really happy with it.  I had the Digi q that big green egg sells and never used it and didn't enjoy it.  wife got me the flame boss and I couldn't be happier.  the people I work with are happy also, I can keep an eye on things from the office and bring in stuff on Fridays.

HeavyG

Kent8621 said:

I have the Flameboss 300 and really happy with it.  I had the Digi q that big green egg sells and never used it and didn't enjoy it.  wife got me the flame boss and I couldn't be happier.  the people I work with are happy also, I can keep an eye on things from the office and bring in stuff on Fridays.

Never used it and didn't enjoy it.

Well...ok then.

Hans61

 My vote is the draft door in the daisy wheel 

The temps in the egg are so stable you don’t need gadgets like that

Eoin

Always tempting to buy new toys, but I'd rather spend the money on meat. Both my Eggs (MMX & XL) hold temperature fine once you get used to them.

FearlessTheEggNoob

Get a wifi capable controller. Nothing like keeping tabs on, and adjusting pit temps on a brisket using your phone while out running errands or at work.

fishlessman

ive been comfortable stabilizing it between 220 and 250, where ever it wants to sit, tossing it in, checking in 6 hours, make a tiny adjustment up or down, and leaving it unchecked for another 6 to 8 hours.  watching it cook from afar seems like pure craziness

stlcharcoal

You don't need one.......but you didn't need an Egg, a smart phone, or power windows on your car either.  Yes, learn how to use the Egg manually; but after you get a controller, most will wonder why  (not how) they egg'ed without it.  They're fun, easy, and almost foolproof.

That being said, if you get one, get a Flame Boss.  I've owned and been a dealer for all of them, FB is hands down the best algorithm for BGE's, easiest interface, and best customer support around (on the off-chance you actually need it.)  These guys are all about the Egg......saw Michael and Jeff at Eggtoberfest on Saturday!

Kent8621

HeavyG said:

Kent8621 said:

I have the Flameboss 300 and really happy with it.  I had the Digi q that big green egg sells and never used it and didn't enjoy it.  wife got me the flame boss and I couldn't be happier.  the people I work with are happy also, I can keep an eye on things from the office and bring in stuff on Fridays.

Never used it and didn't enjoy it.

Well...ok then.

I guess I had it reversed, sorry I math not English for a living.  I didn't like it therefore never used it.

SandyHookEgger

I use Rockwood. Isn’t it self controlling?